Turnovers likely will play big role

Oklahoma’s struggles in bowl games can be pinned on turnovers. It’s committed 11 in its last three BCS bowl games.

That could be the biggest statistic in tonight’s game.

The Mountaineers are fourth in the nation in turnovers caused with 23 this season.

“It’s a strong emphasis from our coaching staff,” West Virginia linebacker Marc Magro said. “We devote periods of practice to just work on turnovers.”

The Sooners have struggled at times with turnovers this season, but are coming off a turnover-free performance against Missouri in the Big 12 championship game and enter the Fiesta Bowl 19th in the nation in turnover margin (+0.69 per game.)

“There isn’t a bigger statistic in football than turnovers,” OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. “When we’ve taken care of the ball, we’ve been pretty good.”

Send more home

West Virginia interim head coach had an interesting take on OU sending defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger home due to his arrest for shoplifting.

“I would like for about 10 more to go home and about half their coaches and I would feel real good,” he joked.

Big East dominance

OU will be facing a team currently in the Big East Conference for the 22nd time tonight. The Sooners are 18-2-1 in those games.